Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his support. As he will be aware, total payments of approximately €250 million were made to eligible farmers under the ANC scheme in 2008. That sum was cut substantially by the Fianna Fáil Government at the time. We are attempting to make up some of the ground lost in budget 2018. Obviously, until the budget is announced, there will be no certainty in that regard, but it is my earnest wish that that will be the case. I appreciate the support of the Deputy in that regard. As to how the money would be spent if it were to be delivered in the budget, there is a range of options available, but my overwhelming objective at this stage is to secure the funding. Until the budget is announced, there can be no certainty in that regard. I am aware of the various views, particularly the different and competing views, on how the money should be allocated, but until such time as the €25 million is delivered, there is little point in exercising ourselves about the matter, but I am aware of all the options being canvassed.

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